100 years ago today, November 19, the State of Utah executed troubadour and radical union man Joe HIll after a troubled, questionable trial for murder. He was a member of the Industrial Workers of the World, a one-big-union organization outside mainstream trade unionism. Wobblies (IWW members) fought for free speech and better working conditions, and were assaulted, arrested, jailed, and sometimes killed for doing so. Joe Hill became a martyr for the cause. His music later influenced Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan.

Marie Equi Received Hill's Ashes for OregonJoe Hill directed that his cremated remains should be spread in every state -- but not in Utah -- and worldwide. Dr. Marie Equi, a radical activist lesbian in Portland, was said to have received an envelope of Hill's ashes as a representative of Oregon.